Youth Leader Marce on Green Team, Food Justice & What’s Next
Spotlight on: Marce
Community: San Diego, CA
Groundwork Years: 2022 – 2025
Roles: Green Team Member; Green Team Leader
Getting Started with Groundwork
Marce first got involved through after-school programming at the Earth Lab—a 4-acre outdoor classroom where youth and families in the Chollas Creek Watershed get hands-on environmental education—during the COVID-19 pandemic. They loved learning outside and giving back to their community, so when the opportunity came to join the Green Team, they jumped right in.
Favorite Groundwork Projects and Memories
“This summer, I had the opportunity to go to Grand Teton National Park, where we worked on trail beautification projects. It was refreshing to be surrounded by so much green and wildlife, and I loved getting to meet and talk with other Green Team members and park rangers.”
Since joining, Marce has gained hands-on experience in a variety of projects—from testing water quality to organizing community events like Earth Day festivals in partnership with CJARS (Climate Justice Action Resilience Scholars) where they helped with creating posters, community outreach, and Spanish translations.
Growing Into Leadership
By their second year on Green Team, Marce was already leading small groups. By their third year, they had stepped into a youth leadership role. Today, they’re helping to develop three new focus areas for the program—beautification, food resources, and green infrastructure—with youth leaders each taking responsibility for one group. Marce is especially passionate about food justice and the importance of access to healthy, affordable food, especially as prices rise.
What does the future hold?
“When I first started Green Team, I wanted to be a doctor. I’m still interested in the medical field, but now I’m also thinking about studying environmental justice. I want to help improve our community and show people what’s possible—how they can take action in their neighborhoods and make a difference.”
This is Marce’s final year on Green Team—and just the start of a new adventure. They are currently applying to colleges to pursue their medical degree and exploring other interests like recording music, serving on a youth sexual education committee, and tutoring freshmen to help set others up for success. They are looking forward to their last year on the Green Team and carrying the skills, confidence, and knowledge they’ve gained into their future.
Best Advice for Future Green Teamers
“Don’t stress. If you stress, you’re not going to have fun. It’s okay if you mess up. Green Team is so supportive and kind, they will help you.”
